Bills storyline to watch: The Bills are locked in to the No. 2 seed in the AFC, so the game will feature a mix of the team’s typical starters and players whom the team wants “to take a look at as well,” per coach Sean McDermott. Quarterback Josh Allen will start the game to maintain his consecutive starts streak (currently 104 games), but then Mitchell Trubisky will take over. The goal for the Bills, according to McDermott, is to win the game and come out of the week as fresh and healthy as possible for the postseason. — Alaina Getzenberg
Patriots storyline to watch: Patriots coach Jerod Mayo says rookie quarterback Drake Maye is expected to start and that the team is playing to win despite having pole position for the No. 1 pick in the draft. A win would open the possibility that the Titans, Browns or Giants could wind up with the top pick depending on what happens in their games in Week 18. — Mike Reiss
Stat to know: The Bills have had 12 games this season with 30-plus points, tied for the second most in a season in NFL history behind the 2013 Broncos (13). — ESPN Research
Bold prediction: Bills running back Ty Johnson will record at least four receptions. With Buffalo able to rest starters in Week 18, that should clear the way for more playing time for Johnson, the team’s third-string back. And he has shown he’s capable of making an impact in the passing game, most notably in Week 15 when he caught five passes for 114 yards against the Lions. — Walder
What’s at stake: The Patriots have a 78% chance to earn the No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft, per ESPN’s FPI. They can secure the top pick with a loss.
Fantasy X factor: Bills running back Ray Davis. He could lead the Bills’ backfield with Buffalo already locked into the No. 2 seed. Remember Week 6 when Davis had 23 touches and 18.2 fantasy points when James Cook was out? This week, he has a great matchup against a Patriots defense that has given up the third-most RB rushing yards. See Week 18 rankings. — Moody
Betting nugget: Overs are 6-1 in Patriots home games this season, and 7-1 in the Bills’ past eight games overall.
Kahler’s pick: Bills 21, Patriots 17
Moody’s pick: Bills 20, Patriots 19
Walder’s pick: Bills 19, Patriots 16
FPI prediction: BUF, 78% (by an average of 11.5 points)
